Lagos State has upgraded its Ebola isolation centre and is working towards delivering laboratory test results within 24 hours after confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in Abuja.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Friday, saying Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu had directed health authorities to maintain high alert and preparedness.
Abayomi said Lagos was treating the development as a priority because of regular travel between the state and Abuja. He said the state’s Emergency Operations Centre had been preparing before the confirmed case.
Isolation facilities, testing and staff training
The commissioner said the state had upgraded its isolation centre, with work continuing to provide additional capacity for possible cases.
Health workers in public and private facilities are also receiving regular training on infection prevention and control. Response teams are conducting drills to ensure they understand their duties during an outbreak.
The state is also setting up a clear process for handling laboratory samples and delivering results within 24 hours.
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Abayomi said a dedicated Ebola Research Committee was examining available evidence on treatments and vaccines to guide the state’s decisions.
Lagos is also improving screening at airports and other entry points in partnership with federal authorities. Its disease surveillance system is being upgraded digitally through SHIP to support the detection, tracking and response to suspected cases in real time.
The commissioner said these measures were part of the state’s preparations following confirmation of the case in Abuja.
Residents advised to report symptoms early
Abayomi advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is ill.
People who develop fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding should not treat themselves without medical advice. Anyone who suspects exposure should call health authorities before visiting a health facility.
The commissioner also warned health workers to remain alert when examining patients with fever. He advised them to ask about travel history and use personal protective equipment (PPE), which helps protect them from infection.
He said residents could report suspected cases or possible exposure through the Lagos State emergency numbers, 112 and 767.
Reports can also be made to the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.
Abayomi advised residents to remain calm and rely on official information from the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
WHAT READERS SHOULD KNOW
Ebola Virus Disease is the illness that has prompted Lagos State to strengthen its readiness measures after the confirmed case in Abuja. The state has outlined steps covering isolation facilities, laboratory testing, staff training, research, entry screening and disease surveillance.
Anyone who suspects exposure or develops the listed symptoms should contact health authorities before visiting a hospital. Residents can use 112 or 767, or call 0802 316 9485 to report suspected cases.
Lagos State has also asked health workers to consider travel history when assessing patients with fever and to use protective equipment. The state says its preparations are intended to support early detection and a timely response.
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